Business Directories

Microsoft signs key enterprise deal with CIO

Manama, March 25, 2013

Bahrain's Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) said it has signed a three-year enterprise agreement providing government entities with access to Microsoft latest products and services.

Under the terms of the agreement, all Bahrain government entities will standardise on the latest Microsoft technologies and platform, which will enable them to improve the total cost of ownership, boost their productivity and enhance both security and manageability of the IT operations across the different ministries and their affiliates, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

CIO president Dr Mohammed Al Amer and Microsoft (MEA region) VP for sales, marketing and services Charbel Fakhoury signed the deal in the presence of Microsoft Bahrain and Oman regional country manager Tareq Hijazi, Microsoft in Bahrain public sector manager Hamad Al Saie and Almoayyed International Group vice-chairman and managing director Mohammed Al Moayyed.

The agreement also opens a window of development opportunities for IT professionals with Microsoft certifications (Microsoft Certified Professionals).

All government beneficiaries will enjoy a 24x7 phone and web support through Microsoft Consultant Services providing optimum support levels for the shared services project.

"The most appealing benefit of this agreement is the ability to standardise. By standardising and consolidating our information and communication technology infrastructure, we will be able to reduce cost, increase productivity and achieve greater efficiency to better serve the citizens and residents of Bahrain," said Dr Al Amer.

"We are keen to strengthen our partnership with Microsoft through renewing the agreement. This initiative guarantees low initial cost and provides licenced software versions upgrades for no additional cost throughout the coming three years; it also helps provide career paths on Microsoft platforms for local IT talent through a number of training programmes," he stated.

On the deal, Fakhoury said this agreement comes as part of Microsoft's commitment to the government of Bahrain and its mission to drive the kingdom's shift towards a digital society."

"We believe that, in today's world, competitive advantage comes from the effective use of technology. Through this agreement, all government agencies will benefit from the expertise of our specialists, who will help maximise the value of these software investments and ensure that our products are installed in a safe, reliable and cost-effective way," he added.

Under the agreement, Almoayyed Computers will work closely with the CIO to provide Microsoft software and services to the government.

The company will also offer comprehensive training programmes to make sure that government employees are well oriented with technologies deployed thus deriving maximum benefits.

This is the second renewal of the agreement, the first renewal was signed in April 2010.-TradeArabia News Service